Birth date: Feb 11, 1924 Death date: Feb 7, 2020
HONORABLE CHARLES HENRY DUFF Judge (retired) Virginia Court of Appeals On February 7, 2020, Charles Henry Duff peacefully passed away at age 95. Born in Houston, Texas, on February 11, 1924, Charles grew up in Richmond, Virginia, Read Obituary
There are not enough words to express the loss of an amazing man, Charlie. He was both humble and kind, compassionate and giving. A loving father and husband, caring companion and best of all a great grandfather, even to someone that was married into the family. He loved martinis and giving tips to waitresses (inside joke). He also loved life and fought till the end. I know wherever he is now, he is making martinis and hamming it up with the staff. Rest in Peace, Charlie, you will be missed on many levels.
Charlie Duff was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever met. I was the first associate attorney to be hired by Charlie and Norm Slenker in 1963 and went on to become their partner as the firm grew up until Charlie was elected to the Arlington Circuit Court. I had the privilege to try cases with Charlie and witnessed him display the traits of one of the finest trial lawyers in Virginia. He was extraordinary in his preparation for each trial; and it was a memorable treat for any juror who heard Charlie present a case: a brilliant questioner and cross-examiner, but always the perfect gentleman -- respected by judges and opposing counsel alike. Lawyers from all over the courthouse square in Arlington would flock to the courtroom when they heard that Charlie was presenting a final argument because they knew that it would be a "legal treat." Charlie never disappointed them.
Although I realized that the lawyers and people of Arlington would be the beneficiaries of Charlie's election as a judge on the Arlington Circuit Court, I must say it was one of the saddest days of my life to know that I would lose my "daily mentor" and my dearest friend. Later the entire Commonwealth of Virginia would benefit from Charlie's election to the first group of judges to occupy the new Virginia Court of Appeals where he served with distinction.
Simply put, there will never be a trial lawyer or a trial judge or an appellate judge of the enormous high caliber as Charlie Duff. But more importantly, it will be difficult to find a better human being, a more devoted Catholic to his Faith and to his God; and a more devoted husband and father than Charlie Duff. Jean and Eddie will joyfully welcome Charlie to heaven where the Good Lord has prepared a special place for him because Charlie Duff is a very special person and we will all miss him. John and Laurie Brandt
